When the lights come on for Monday Night Football, Lamar Jackson tends to deliver his best. The Baltimore Ravens’ star quarterback has been nearly unstoppable in that spotlight, and he’ll aim to keep that trend alive when Baltimore hosts the Detroit Lions in Week 3.
Jackson’s record on Monday nights is remarkable. He has 22 touchdown passes without a single interception in nine appearances, including two games with five scores. His most memorable outing came in 2021, when he threw for a franchise-best 442 yards in an overtime win against the Colts. Add in 644 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, and it’s clear why defenses dread seeing him on this stage.
Asked about his Monday success, Jackson credited the schedule. “That extra day of rest and film really helps,” he said this week.
Baltimore (1-1) enters the game leading the NFL in scoring with an average of 40.5 points. The Ravens bounced back from a crushing Week 1 loss to Buffalo with a dominant 41-17 victory over Cleveland, powered by six Jackson touchdown passes this season. The only concern has been the ground game, as Derrick Henry was held to just 23 yards in Week 2 after exploding for 169 yards in the opener.
Meanwhile, Detroit (1-1) comes in riding high after a statement win. The Lions demolished Chicago 52-21, with Jared Goff matching his career high of five touchdown passes while completing 23 of 28 throws for 334 yards. Through two weeks, Goff has six touchdowns and just one interception. His top weapon, wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, has 13 catches for 160 yards and is tied for the league lead with three touchdown grabs.
“From top to bottom, we were sharper than Week 1,” St. Brown said after the win. “Anytime you score 50 in this league, it means you’re doing a lot right.”
Both teams are dealing with injury issues. Baltimore could see tight end Isaiah Likely make his season debut after foot surgery, while linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) is set to miss time. For Detroit, tackle Taylor Decker and linebacker Jack Campbell were among those sidelined at practice.
History favors the Ravens, who have beaten the Lions in five straight games. But with two of the league’s highest-scoring offenses meeting in primetime, this Monday night matchup has all the makings of a shootout.
